The mind-body connection, Pilates and divorce recovery with Psychotherapist Andrew Keefe

In this episode, Kate is joined by Andrew Keefe, a Psychodynamic Psychotherapist and Pilates Teacher, to discuss how Pilates can support you during divorce and aid your recovery afterward. Andrew shares the science of trauma, how the nervous system functions under stress and why Pilates is an effective tool to help with the emotional aftermath of a relationship breakdown. About the episode:Kate and Andrew begin by exploring what trauma means in the context of divorce and the physical and mental symptoms it can trigger. Andrew explains the biological responses that often occur during and after a traumatic event like separation and how the controlled movements and breathing techniques at the core of Pilates can help soothe these reactions. He also shares other practical strategies for coping with divorce and separation, including simple breathing exercises, the importance of releasing tension in the body and how to build a supportive network.About our guest:Andrew Keefe is a Psychodynamic Psychotherapist, EMDR Therapist, Pilates Teacher and Personal Trainer (Level 4, Lower Back Pain Specialist.) He works with mind and body to help people recover from trauma and trauma / stress-related Chronic Lower Back Pain. Andrew has been a therapist for twenty-five years, including sixteen years of clinical work with traumatised refugees and survivors of torture. He now works in private practice in Holborn and East London, specialising in working with people living with the traumatic effects of childhood sexual abuse, domestic violence, abusive relationships, birth trauma, violence and chronic lower back pain. He also uses fitness sessions and Pilates to help people recover their mental wellbeing.More resources:You can learn more about Andrew and his work on his websiteWe'd love to know how we can help you further. Share your questions on divorce, separation and co-parenting with us at [email protected]. They might just be the topic of a future episode!Get in touch with amicable for information on the legal, financial and parenting aspects of separation. Book a free 15-minute consultation with an amicable expert today.#LifeAfterDivorce

As part of Mental Health Awareness week, today Kate answers a listener's question all about ‘divorce anxiety’. Divorce and separation are never easy, whether amicable or not. As a relationship counsellor and a divorcee herself, Kate shares some tips to help you cope when you feel overwhelmed by worry during this time.    About the episode:Kate begins by explaining what ‘divorce anxiety’ is and how fear of the unknown is often at the root of common worries and concerns, especially at the beginning of the divorce process. She then shares four top tips to help you protect your mental health during this tricky time – and start the divorce process on the right foot.More resources:Struggling emotionally? Explore our partners at Betterhelp for therapy or counselling support. You can also reach out to your GP or mental health charities like Mind or Samaritans.  We'd love to know how we can help you further. Share your questions on divorce, separation and co-parenting with us at [email protected], through direct messages on Instagram or by starting a new forum thread on amicable’s advice forum. They might just be the topic of a future episode!You can also get in touch with amicable for more information on the legal, financial and parenting aspects of separation. Book a free 15-minute consultation with an amicable expert today. #EmotionalJourney

In this episode, host Kate is joined by Dr Samantha Gaines, Head of the RSPCA’s Companion Animals Science and Policy department, and Carol Harte, Divorce Specialist at amicable, to debunk some common myths about separating with pets.About the episode:Kate, Carol and Samantha break down common myths about pet ownership during separation or divorce. They explain the legal realities, the emotional impact on pets – whether it’s a dog, cat or even a hamster – and share practical tips to help pets adjust to new routines. You'll also learn how to spot signs your pet might be struggling, and what to do if neither you nor your ex can care for them after your divorce or separation.About our guests:Dr Samantha Gaines is Head of the RSPCA’s Companion Animals Science and Policy department. She leads a specialist team who use evidence to advocate for good lives for companion, working and sporting animals through corporate and government policy change and human behaviour change. She is the lead on a variety of issues including dog control, racing greyhounds and dogs kept for working purposes. Prior to working at the RSPCA, Sam worked as a research scientist for the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory. She managed various projects studying the behaviour, performance and welfare of working dogs. She has an MSc in applied animal behaviour and welfare as well as a PhD from Bristol University, where she studied the effects of housing and husbandry on the welfare of kennelled dogs.Carol Harte is a Divorce Specialist at amicable and holds decades of experience in global change management, project negotiation and training. Having embarked on a career change to become an accredited family mediator, Carol aims to support separating parents and pet parents in their transition to being successful co-parents.More resources:You can find more advice on how to improve your pet’s welfare on the RSPCA website. We'd love to know how we can help you further. Share your questions on divorce, separation and co-parenting with us at [email protected]. They might just be the topic of a future episode!You can also get in touch with amicable for more information on the legal, financial and parenting aspects of separation. Book a free 15-minute consultation with an amicable expert today. #Pets

This week, Kate is going behind the headlines of Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola and his ex-partner Cristina Serra’s divorce. Reports claim they’re using the ‘one lawyer, one couple’ approach to end their marriage while staying on good terms.About the episode:Kate breaks down the top three benefits of a collaborative divorce, using Pep Guardiola’s separation as an example. She explains who this approach works best for, and explores whether amicable divorces really are as rare as the media makes out  – or if they’re becoming the norm.More resources:We'd love to know how we can help you further. Share your questions on divorce, separation and co-parenting with us at [email protected]. They might just be the topic of a future episode!You can also get in touch with amicable for more information on the legal, financial and parenting aspects of separation. Book a free 15-minute consultation with an amicable expert today. 

In this episode, Kate is joined by author and speaker Emma Campbell, better known to her Instagram followers as Limitless Em, to discuss her separation stories, cancer diagnosis and passion for running.About the episode:Emma starts by telling Kate how her parents' marriage and her relationship with her dad shaped her own romantic life. They go on to discuss her relationship with the father of her four children (including triplets!) and her difficult fertility journey. Emma shares her very personal take on how she found separation more difficult than her cancer diagnosis around the same time.Kate and Emma then talk about Emma’s subsequent marriage and the trials and tribulations of a blended family, what made it special and how it ultimately ended in divorce. Emma tells Kate why taking the time to feel the pain and sadness is vital after a separation. Ever the optimist, she finishes by discussing her passion for running and why she believes that physical activity can help you get through anything, from cancer to a breakup. About our guest:Emma Campbell is an author, speaker and podcast host known to her 66K followers on Instagram as Limitless Em, where she shares aspects of the incredible journey she’s been on as a cancer survivor, single mum of teenage triplets and so much more. She is known for her honesty, vulnerability and open-hearted approach to life and passionately believes that we all have limitless potential despite the challenges we may face. Emma offers hope to thousands of women in the breast cancer community. She has learnt to celebrate a body that has been through so much, whilst accepting that she will remain on cancer treatment for life.Emma has completed two Virgin London Marathons, the Great South Run, the Vitality 10K, takes part in CRUK’s Race for Life every year and has a media place in the 2025 TCS London Marathon where she’ll be running as part of Team Bowelbabe, raising vital funds for cancer research. More resources:Find more about Emma Campbell on Instagram and on her website.Donate to Emma’s London Marathon fundraiser for Bowelbabe Fund here.Get in touch with amicable for information on the legal, financial and children aspects of separation. Book a free 15-minute consultation with an amicable expert through the amicable website.#EmotionalJourney

In this episode, Kate is joined by the founder of Restored Lives Erik Castenskiold to discuss how to thrive as a child of separated parents, even as an adult.About the episode:Erik starts off by sharing his own experience of divorce and how it ultimately led him to found Restored Lives, a UK-based charity that provides resources and support for individuals and families affected by relationship breakdown. He then goes on to talk about Your Direction, a course that offers tools and skills for 12-30-year-old children of divorce to help them find future happiness and success. Kate and Erik explore why the course was created and what the sessions cover. They also address common concerns that parents may have about the initiative. Finally, they discuss the types of conversations that 12-17-year-old and 18-30-year-old children of divorce might be having during the sessions and how both age groups can benefit from this kind of support.About our guest:Erik Castenskiold is the founder of the charity Restored Lives which helps adults and children navigate the impact of divorce and separation. In the last 23 years, over 3,000 adults have been supported across 10 different countries with multiple resources, including an eight-week course, a book, and countless videos. Restored Lives has partnered with Spurgeons, a children’s charity, to launch Your Direction, a series of workshops for children of separated parents aged 12-17 and 18-30 years old. Your Direction helps to break the silence surrounding divorce and separation and helps children to build resilience, improve their wellbeing and enhance their relationships with their parents, as well as their friends and future partners. More resources:You can learn more about Restored Lives and Your Direction on their website. You can also follow Your Direction on Instagram for helpful tips and testimonials.Get in touch with amicable for information on the legal, financial and parenting aspects of separation. Book a free 15-minute consultation with an amicable expert today.#Coparenting

In this episode, Kate is joined by the founder of Divorce Recovery Seminars, author, former barrister, and family court judge Christopher Compston to discuss his personal experience of divorce through his unique professional legal lens.About the episode:Kate and Christopher start by discussing Christopher’s parents’ divorce and how this formed his view of marriage. He shares an invaluable insider perspective on the legal process having worked as a barrister and a judge. Christopher then goes on to explore his own experience of adultery and divorce. Kate and Christopher finish off by sharing some tips on how to recover, move on and lead a happy life after divorce, as well as some hard-hitting truths about how painful the experience can truly be.About our guest:Christopher Compston is a former barrister and was a Circuit Judge for nearly thirty years, dealing with everything from criminal to family matters. He retired in 2013. Twice married, he has had six children. For many years he and his current wife, Caroline, attended Holy Trinity Church in Brompton where he started and ran Divorce Recovery seminars for ten years. Christopher has written two books on the subject: ‘Recovering from Divorce’ (1993) and ‘Breaking Up Without Cracking Up’ (2011).More resources:You can learn more about Restored Lives on their website, and you can purchase Christopher’s book ‘Breaking Up Without Cracking Up’ on Amazon.Get in touch with amicable for information on the legal, financial and parenting aspects of separation. Book a free 15-minute consultation with an amicable expert today.#LifeAfterDivorce

In this episode, Kate is joined by award-winning author Laura Pritchett to discuss how a lack of communication led to the end of her marriage – and how journalling and writing helped her understand the truth and ultimately move on.About the episodeKate and Laura begin by discussing Laura’s essay, ‘No sound, no fury, no marriage’, and her divorce experience, which inspired her to write the piece. Laura explains how a lack of easy banter and general communication barriers ultimately led to the end of her marriage – and how journalling and writing her latest novel, ‘Three Keys’, helped her understand the truth and move on. Finally, Laura reflects on her 22-year marriage and what she’s learned about the part she played in the divorce. She shares how she eventually told her kids the news and the lessons she's taking forward into her next chapter…About our guestLaura Pritchett is an award-winning author of seven novels, two nonfiction books and editor of three anthologies. Her essay ‘No sound, no fury, no marriage’ was featured in the Modern Love column of The New York Times, and her latest fiction book. ‘Three Keys’ is based on her own experience of divorce. All her work is rooted in the natural world, celebrating the people who live close to it. When not writing or teaching, she’s generally found exploring the mountains of her home state of Colorado, particularly those near the ranch where she was raised.More resourcesDiscover Laura Prichett’s work on her website.Get in touch with amicable for information on the legal, financial and parenting aspects of separation. Book a free 15-minute consultation with an amicable expert today.#SeparationStories

In this episode, Kate is joined by a multi-award-winning Financial Coach and international author Catherine Morgan to discuss pensions and other financial aspects of divorce. About the episode:Kate and Catherine begin by discussing Catherine’s journey to becoming a financial coach and how personal life trauma shapes her relationship with money. They consider how money trauma may affect thoughts and actions during a divorce or separation. The conversation moves on to discuss pensions and why many people have such a strong emotional attachment to them. Catherine gives advice on how to avoid unfair pension arrangements during a divorce and what steps can be taken to improve your financial situation post-divorce. Finally, Catherine shares her top tips on how to get on top of your finances through scheduling ‘money dates’ with yourself and much more. About our guest:Catherine Morgan is a Financial Wellbeing Speaker, multi-award-winning Financial Coach and international author. Her Amazon #1 best-selling book, It's Not About the Money, presents a trauma-informed psychological approach to money. As the founder of The Money Panel®, Catherine trains financial professionals through her acclaimed Financial Coach Certification programme and works with consumers under her personal brand by running courses and retreats. After 15 years as a regulated financial adviser, Catherine created her current business focussed on the psychology of money. Recognised as one of the top 32 female entrepreneurs by Business Leader, her expertise has been featured in Forbes, Grazia, Meta, Amazon, The Telegraph and more. Her podcast ‘It’s not about the money’ is in the top 0.5% in the world. More resources:Learn more about Catherine on her website. Get in touch with amicable for information on the legal, financial and parenting aspects of separation. Book a free 15-minute consultation with an amicable expert today.#Finances

In this episode, Kate is joined by therapist, author and former divorce lawyer Joanna Harrison to share expert tips on how to have a healthy argument in relationships, as parents and post-separation. About the episode:Kate and Joanna begin by discussing Joanna’s book, Five Arguments All Couples (Need To) Have And Why The Washing Up Matters (Souvenir Press, £9.99). Joanna explains how key couple differences when it comes to communication, in-laws, daily chores, personal space and sex can all lead to arguments in relationships. Kate and Joanna also explore how these conflicts can manifest between ex-partners and co-parents. Throughout the conversation, they consider each sticking point and give expert tips on how to have healthier, more constructive disagreements. The episode ends with Joanna's communication tips for co-parents, including creating space and time for important decisions and encouraging curiosity about your ex-partner. About our guest:Joanna Harrison is an experienced couple therapist, former divorce lawyer and author of Five Arguments All Couples (Need To) Have And Why The Washing Up Matters (Souvenir Press, £9.99). She regularly speaks and writes about relationship issues in the media and specialises in supporting couples who are considering separation or going through it. More resources:Learn more about Joanna on her website or purchase her book in your local bookstore or online. You can also read our blog ‘Is it over? Should I leave?’ on our website.Get in touch with amicable for information on the legal, financial and parenting aspects of separation. Book a free 15-minute consultation with an amicable expert today#EmotionalJourney